Aphrodisiac Activity of an Aqueous Extract of Wood Ear Mushroom, Auricularia polytricha (Heterobasidiomycetes), in Male Rats.

Auricularia polytricha is a popular mushroom found all over the world. In this study we considered the effect of an aqueous extract of A. polytricha (AEAP) on restoring sexual performance parameters to normal, evaluated by considering observations of sexual behavior. At 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 days, the following parameters of sexual performance were identified before and throughout the observations: mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, mounting frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, and postejaculatory interval. Treatment of rats under stress with AEAP showed promising effects on overcoming stress-induced sexual dysfunction, on sexual performance, and on accessory sexual organs and body weight. Mounting latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, and postejaculatory interval parameters were significantly decreased by AEAP, whereas mounting frequency, intromission frequency, and ejaculation frequency were significantly increased by AEAP. These properties were identified in sexually dynamic and indolent male rats. We conclude that AEAP has a potent aphrodisiac activity.

Nephrotoxicity in Rats Exposed to Paracetamol: The Protective Role of Moralbosteroid, a Steroidal Glycoside.

Paracetamol (PCM) has an acceptable safety profile when used at prescribed doses. However, it is now understood that paracetamol can damage the kidneys when administered as an overdose. In addition, oxidative stress can play a major role in causing nephrotoxicity. This investigation studies the efficacy of moralbosteroid isolated from M. alba stem bark. Nephrotoxicity was induced with administration of paracetamol. Nephroprotection was studied using two doses of the extract. The experimental animals were divided into four groups (n = 6). Two groups served as positive and negative controls, respectively, and two received the test substances. All of the contents were orally administered. Significant reductions in nephrotoxicity and oxidative damages were observed in the treatment groups. There was a marked decrease in blood levels of urea, creatinine, and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, it was found that glutathione levels in the blood increased dramatically after treatment. Histological findings confirmed the potent renoprotective potential of moralbosteroid. This was evidenced by the minimized intensity of nephritic cellular destruction. In animal studies, moralbosteroid exhibited dose-dependent activity, which is thought to be mediated through its antioxidant potential.